The people leading OIT

Russ began at CU in 2009 as the Director of Systems Development and Computing in IT Services. In July, 2011, he was appointed Assistant Vice Chancellor for IT Services before moving on to be Associate Vice Chancellor for OIT in 2013. Russ earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida. He views IT as not a focus, but a tool, a strategic business partner and a mechanism that helps the university maximize its promise of teaching, research and clinical excellence. From finding cures to tackling daily tasks, he firmly believes that technology makes our lives better and maximizes our potential. Russ is a lifelong student of leadership and couldn’t live without his running shoes—to him, they represent both clarity and freedom.

Betty Charles, Director of Technology Support Services

Betty has worked in multiple departments at CU Denver since 1972, including the Health Sciences Center, Faculty Practice Fund, Registrar’s Office, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, TeleHealth/TeleEducation and Educational Support Services before coming to OIT. Her passion for technology is directly related to how it drives innovation and empowers people in education, research and clinical arenas. Betty is an animal lover and believes that honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform shall cease to exist.

Sean Clark, Director of Security and Compliance

Sean began his career at CU in 1998 as a LAN admin for the Area Health Education Centers and eventually migrated to OIT. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. Sean’s passion for technology started in high school where he learned basic programming on a Tandy TRS-80 circa 1981, and worked with a teletype connected via a SLOW modem to a mainframe computer at DU, which involved punch tape and punch cards. Seriously. His life mantra is “work hard, play hard” and he makes that happen by spending time with his family, reading, watching mixed martial arts, riding his bike and playing a whole lot of disc golf.

Amy Dahlbach, Executive Assistant to the CIO and Culture Program Lead

Amy joined the University of Colorado in 2007. She began her university career on the Boulder campus, and transitioned to OIT on the Denver | Anschutz campus in 2014. Amy has dual roles: she serves as Executive Assistant to the CIO, and she leads programmatic and strategic initiatives on behalf of the CIO, as well as, OIT-wide initiatives that are directly related to the development of the organization’s culture of Service, Professionalism, Leadership, Innovation, Community, and Excellence (SPLICE). Her consistent focus is to ensure OIT team members feel supported, informed and connected.

Sheard came to CU in 2018 from the University of Florida where he served for almost two decades in network design, deployment and support. While at the University of Florida, Sheard earned bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. A dedicated supporter of Wi-Fi and infrastructure support, he believes “If you build it, they will come.” And he can’t wait to see the next innovation that takes advantage of the improving infrastructure. He enjoys spending his free time with friends playing games of all kinds.

David Lowry, Director of Planning, Strategy and Analysis

David joined OIT in 2017 from the University of Colorado Systems Office with two decades of experience in IT after a previous career as a high school history teacher and residential mental health staff. David earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Colorado at Denver. He believes that “listening is key to understanding,” and that strong relationships are key to supporting our constantly evolving technology landscape. David enjoys road cycling and triathlons.

Frederick Manly, Director of Finance and Administration

Fred came to CU Denver as an accountant at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2004. Prior to that, he worked as an auditor for the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Defense. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and master's in healthcare administration. Fred claims that technology appeals to his inner geek and he enjoys tinkering with processes and technology. Fred is a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Persian Gulf War and his work is guided by the ideals of “service” and “support.” He loves a nice bike ride to clear his head.

Laura Morris, Director of Enterprise Applications and Services

Laura joined the management team at CU in 2017 as Web Services program manager, overseeing a cross-functional team to develop a comprehensive web strategy and implement a new university-wide content management system. She has more than two decades of experience in product engineering, development and delivery, interactive digital solutions, and web application services for diverse industries including marketing and advertising, technology services, retail, manufacturing and analytics. Laura earned her bachelor of science degree in computer science from Texas A&M University - Commerce. Her mantra is “iteration nation” as she firmly believes in creating a community of collaborative partners who are always listening, revising, evaluating and continually improving.

Bob Schell, Director of Research and Shared Services

Bob worked at Avaya Communications and Motorola before arriving at CU Denver in 2003. He earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Kansas. Bob’s work is guided by the mantra: “Your reputation is your integrity—don’t compromise it.” He believes that technology contributes to multiple advancements in the human race and likes being part of that progress! Bob loves his Rock Chalk coffee mug holder, but his mountain bike is his most prized possession.